ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY AND NIGERIA'S MEDIATORY ROLES IN THE ETHOPIA/SOMALI BOUNDARY DISPUTE, 1960-1977

Abstract

Following the departure of most of the colonizing powers from Africa, the African continent became engulfed with socio-political cleavages from the 1960s and for the rest of the 20th century. One of the energy sapping problems that permeated the newly independent African states was the escalation of border clashes. The issue of boundary disputes became a teething problem in Africa and which the defunct Organization of African unity had to contend with. Nigeria, as a leading power in Africa, was committed to the continent's project aimed at creating peaceful environment, harmonious relations, and advancement for the Africans played leading roles in conflict resolution. One of the border conflicts that plunged Africa into anarchy was the Ethiopia/Somali boundary disputes that bedeviled the Horn of Africa. This paper examines the depressing position of the Somali nation that was emasculated by daring scrambling powers and the reaction of the Somali elements which resulted in bloody tragedy. The study similarly highlights Nigeria's mediatory roles between the two countries.